By Yemi Olakitan
A recent multi-agency assessment released on September 14, 2023 and organised by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), says climate change is harming international efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The “United in Science Report” stated that, at the halfway point of the 2030 agenda, it is scientifically shown that the world is far from achieving its climate targets.
This impedes efforts being made worldwide to combat hunger, poverty, and poor health, as well as to increase access to clean energy and water and many other areas of sustainable development.
According to the paper, which analyses the effects of climate change and extreme weather on the targets, “only 15% of the SDGs are on track.”
Aims including food and water security, clean energy, better health, sustainably managed oceans, and resilient cities can all be advanced by studying weather, climate, and water-related sciences, as shown in the study.
The yearly report was released before the UN General Assembly’s SDG Summit and Climate Ambition Summit and incorporates input and expertise from 18 organisations.
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres made the following statement in his remarks: “2023 has proved all too plainly that climate change is here.
“As catastrophic weather wrecks havoc all around the world, record temperatures are scorching the land and heating the water.”
“Although we are aware that this is only the beginning, the global response is woefully inadequate. The globe is terribly off-track in the meantime, with the SDGs’ 2030 deadline just around the corner.”
But Guterres asserted that research is essential to finding answers. It is generally acknowledged that the foundations for taking climate action are provided by the sciences relating to weather, climate, and water. But how these sciences may accelerate progress on the SDGs generally is less well known, according to the UN top scribe.
The WMO Secretary-General, Prof. Petteri Taalas, expressed optimism that the scientific community is working together to achieve prosperity for people and the earth at this critical juncture in history—the halfway point towards attaining the SDGs.
“Achieving the SDGs can be sped up with the help of ground-breaking scientific and technology developments like high-resolution climate modelling, artificial intelligence, and nowcasting.
“And achieving Early Warnings for All by 2027 will not only save lives and livelihoods but also help safeguard sustainable development,” Taalas added.
However, he asserted that there was a greater need than ever for research and answers.